2006 Volvo Masters of Asia - Round 2: Thongchai takes halfway lead

Thai star Thongchai Jaidee took the halfway lead in the US$650,000 Volvo Masters of Asia with a four-under-par 68 on Friday while birthday boy Jeev Milkha Singh of India charged into contention by taking route 66.

Thongchai, winner of the event in 2003, overcame an early slip in his second round at Thai Country Club before roaring across the finish line with his seven-birdie round in the Asian Tour's season finale.

Compatriot Thaworn Wiratchant showed he was determined to sign the year off as Asia's number one on a winning note, carding a bogey-free 65 for second place, one behind Thongchai.

But the Thai pacesetters will have to watch over their shoulders as Singh, who celebrated his 35th birthday today, cruised ominously up the leaderboard with a 66 for tied third place with another Thai, Prom Meesawat, who shot a 70.

Overnight leader Prayad Marksaeng from Thailand battled to a 72 for a share of fifth place with compatriot Chawalit Plaphol, Korea's Lee Sung and left-handed American Edward Loar.

Thongchai, Asia's number one in 2001 and 2004, started strongly with three birdies in his opening four holes but dropped a bogey on the fifth after an errant drive and ran up a double bogey on the par-three sixth when a mishit four iron tee shot ended in the drink.

"I had some problems but I didn't think too much about them. I just concentrated on my game," said Thongchai, who has a two-day total of eight-under-par 136.

"I'm very happy. I know my game is getting better now and my putting is working. My driver is working too. In my last three or four events, I'm feeling good. I like the course very much."

Despite his early errors, Thongchai used his power to good advantage when he birdied all the par five holes on another sun-kissed day at Thai Country Club. But with Singh, who has already wrapped up the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit title, cruising menacingly up the leaderboard with eight birdies including a stunning outward 31, Thongchai said that the Volvo race was an open affair.

"Everybody is strong here. Everyone wants to win this week and everyone will have a good chance to win. There are two more rounds and I also have a good chance. I'm leading by one," he said.

After a lacklustre opening 72, Thaworn, winner of four titles in 2005 year but yet to taste victory this season, burst into life by rolling home seven birdies. "I wish I could shoot seven under par everyday. Yesterday I played well but could not make any putts. You can’t do anything if you can’t hole putts," said Thaworn, a short-game wizard.

"Today I played the course a lot smarter. I hit my approach shots below the pins which meant I had easier uphill putts. I should have figured that out yesterday as the greens are very hard this week."

The contenders will have to be wary of Singh, who is chasing a third Volvo victory of the year after winning the Volvo China Open and Volvo Masters in Spain.

"This round has got me in the mood to give it my best effort," Singh warned his rivals.

An opening 72 was the wake-up call that Singh needed as he hit into gear with another spectacular display of golf, which has seen him win his last two tournaments in Japan.

"It was a nice birthday gift with a 66 today, so I will take that. I did not hit the ball too good but I putted great. I am happy with the way I came back (from his opening 72). I was sharp on the golf course. I did not miss the greens on the wrong side today and when I did I made some good up and downs," said Singh, ranked 45th in the world.

"I will just go out there and try my best. It is not over until the last putt is holed out. I have got two days left so I will give it a go and see what happens," added the Indian.

Earlier in the day, there were plenty of thrills about when American Anthony Kang and Filipino veteran Frankie Minoza struck matching 64s, which was one off the course record. They moved up to tied ninth place on 140.

Title holder Shiv Kapur of India remained on the fringe of contention in his bid to become the first repeat winner of the Volvo Masters of Asia after adding a 69 to his opening 72 for tied 15th place, five off the lead.

Leading second round scores

136 - Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 68-68

137 - Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 72-65

138 - Jeev Milkha Singh (IND) 72-66, Prom Meesawat (THA) 68-70

139 - Edward Loar (USA) 71-68, Lee Sung (KOR) 69-70, Chawalit Plaphol (THA) 69-70, Prayad Marksaeng (THA) 67-72

140 - Anthony Kang (USA) 76-64, Frankie Minoza (PHI) 76-64, Charlie Wi (KOR) 71-69, Unho Park (AUS) 70-70, S.S.P. Chowrasia (IND) 70-70, Chapchai Nirat (THA) 69-71

141 - David Bransdon (AUS) 76-65, Jyoti Randhawa (IND) 72-69, Shiv Kapur (IND) 72-69, Yasin Ali (ENG) 72-69, Andrew Buckle (AUS) 71-70, Brad Kennedy (AUS) 71-70, Jason Knutzon (USA) 71-70, Chinarat Phadungsil (THA) 71-70, Iain Steel (MAS) 69-72, Lin Keng-chi (TPE) 68-73

142 - Wang Ter-chang (TPE) 69-73, Chris Rodgers (ENG) 69-73

143 - Simon Yates (SCO) 72-71, Angelo Que (PHI) 72-71, Gary Rusnak (USA) 71-72, Ted Oh (KOR) 70-73, Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 68-75

144 - Liang Wen-chong (CHN) 74-70, Choo Tze-Huang [A] (SIN) 73-71, Lu Wen-teh (TPE) 72-72, Adam Blyth (AUS) 70-74, Lu Wei-chih (TPE) 69-75, Adam Groom (AUS) 69-75

145 - Kane Webber (AUS) 77-68, Park Jun-won (KOR) 74-71, Barry Hume (SCO) 74-71, Marcus Both (AUS) 72-73, Thammanoon Srirot (THA) 71-74, Suk Jong-yul (KOR) 70-75

December 15, 2006

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